If you are seeking a meaningful career within specialist education, this role is ideal whether or not you have prior experience in a SEN school. Experience from education, care, youth work, mentoring, coaching, or other people-focused environments is highly valued - bringing transferable skills that will help you thrive.
What’s in it for you?
Permanent, term-time only position
37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Structured hours: 8:15am – 4:15pm
Start date: November 2026
Opportunity to build a specialist SEND education career
Collaborate with experienced teachers, therapists, and professionals
Access to comprehensive training and professional development
Rewarding environment where your support directly impacts confidence, independence, and future success
The Role
As a Teaching Assistant, you will provide personalised support, working alongside teaching and therapeutic staff to help young people engage with learning and reach their goals. Building positive, trusting relationships is fundamental, with an approach based on understanding behaviour as communication and working consistently for students’ social and emotional development.
Responsibilities
Providing 1:1, small-group or classroom support
Building trusting connections with autistic young people
Helping students progress towards their EHCP targets
Supporting teachers in delivering engaging, differentiated activities
Adapting your approach to meet individual learning and communication needs
Encouraging greater confidence, independence and life skills
Supporting the development of communication and social interaction
Providing calm, consistent support for behaviour and emotional regulation
Helping young people overcome barriers to educational engagement
Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team
Promoting positive engagement and celebrating individual progress
Maintaining a safe, structured and nurturing classroom setting
Upholding safeguarding practices and all school policies
Skills and Experience
Genuine passion for supporting children and young people with additional needs
Patience, compassion, and the ability to build positive relationships
Calm and consistent approach — especially in challenging situations
Excellent communication and teamwork skills
Flexible and adaptable to support individual learning styles
Eager to develop within specialist education
Willingness to complete induction and ongoing training
Committed to safeguarding and the welfare of children and young people
Ability to provide suitable recent references
Enhanced Child DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one
A Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools is desirable but not essential. Direct SEND experience is beneficial but also not essential - your transferable skills from care, support work, youth work or coaching are welcomed and valued.
About the Setting
This specialist SEND learning environment supports autistic young people through highly personalised education tailored to individual strengths and needs. The multidisciplinary team includes teaching staff and dedicated therapists—offering Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Art Psychotherapy and more - ensuring joined-up education and support.
The focus is on removing barriers to learning and supporting each student towards increased confidence, better communication, and greater independence.
Location and Package
Location: Epsom, Surrey
Contract: Permanent, term time only
Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday (8:15am – 4:15pm)
Start Date: November 2026
UK applicants only – sponsorship is not availableIf you are caring, resilient and enthusiastic about helping young people thrive, this is an outstanding opportunity to build a long-term, rewarding career within specialist education. Apply now and take a positive step in making a real difference
Salary description
£22160.00 - £22160.00 per year